Yoga Nidra as a Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Improving Mood
Research in Therapeutic Sciences January 28, 2025 Jaime L. Tartar, Bharath Kumar Reddy Burri, Shravya Konatam et al.
A 30-minute Yoga Nidra session improved mood—heightened vigor, reduced confusion, and reduced fatigue—when participants remained engaged, as indicated by increased alpha and high beta brainwave activity. Deeper sleep stages (theta and delta activity) correlated with poorer mood outcomes, including increased tension and confusion. Longer sleep durations during the session were inversely related to alpha wave power and positively related to high beta wave power. The findings suggest that Yoga Nidra's psychological benefits depend on active participation rather than transitioning into sleep, highlighting its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for short-term mood improvement.